Stock in Monrovia-Based AeroVironment Takes a Dive

The stock of Monrovia-based AeroVironment took a big dive today, dropping as much as 19 percent and closing down 16.95 percent ( http://goo.gl/GuFZxs ) after reporting first quarter earnings of $36.2 million compared to $47.1 million for the same quarter a year ago.  http://goo.gl/PUzyrQ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Population Rises a Smidgeon

As of January 1 Monrovia's population is up an estimated 0.7 percent over last year. That's 277 more people, according to the state Department of Finance, for a total estimated population of 37,531. http://goo.gl/ZCbyjp

- Brad Haugaard

Camel at Monrovia Street Fair; SoCalGas Office Closing; Renew Books With a Text; Etc.

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/HGEFHJ ) City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ The official launch of the Friday Night Street Fair is this Friday, Sept. 2. Raw Inspiration has lined up: A camel ride, a virtual fireworks (8 p.m. at the intersection of Walnut and Myrtle), Kids Night on the first Friday of each month; a Children's Stage with event featuring Samson the Hot Tub Bear; a community poll to see which school should get a $2,000 grant to establish a garden on their school campus; a changing booth; expanded farmer's market with flowers, fruits and vegetables, and fresh eggs. Plus a fish monger.

~ SoCalGas will be closing its Monrovia branch office on November 1.

~ You can renew your library books with a text message. Register your cell phone with the Library and you can use it to renew books or check your account status by texting commands such as: Renew all, Renew due, Status, Summary. Once registered text commands to 531-1446. Standard text message rates apply. For details contact the Library at 256-8274.

~ Use your library card to find a job. Go to http://www.monrovia.biblionix.com/catalog/ and click on the "Brainfuse JobNow" link. Expert resume help, live coaching, and more.

~ Water service lines have begun to be replaced throughout southwest and southeast Monrovia.

~ Drop by the Library in September to build using LEGO bricks provided by the Library. Every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. Call 256-8274 for details.

~ Registration is open for the Monrovia Youth Sports program: flag football and cheerleading for 4th and 5th graders who attend Bradoaks, Mayflower, Monroe, Plymouth, and Wild Rose elementary schools. The program is designed to teach fundamental sports skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and character development. Fee is $35 per participant. Contact the Monrovia Community Center (119 W. Palm Ave.) or call 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard

Brad Drover To Be Monrovia Fire Chief

City Manager Oliver Chi has announced that it is, "my intention to name Brad Dover as our permanent Fire Chief. If you recall, Brad was named as the City's Interim Fire Chief a little more than six-months ago on February 12, 2016. Since that time, I have been beyond impressed with how he has approached the job, as he has served as a testament to our organizational mission and our values."   http://goo.gl/HGEFHJ

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Swiping Mom's TV; Dancing to Drugs; Gardner's Truck Stolen; Drunken Fight Between Best Friends; Breaking Door With Car; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 25-28. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 1:10 p.m., an officer was dispatched on the report of a female subject passed out on the sidewalk at Canyon and Lemon. As the officers arrived, the female was waking up. The officers determined she was too intoxicated to care for herself. She was arrested and held for a sobering period.

Shoplifting / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 2:05 p.m., loss prevention personnel from a business in the 500 block of W. Huntington called police to report a male subject inside the store, concealing merchandise on his person. Officers responded, observed the subject leaving the store and detained him. The officers located stolen merchandise and drug paraphernalia on his person. The suspect was arrested for the theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Grand Theft / Possession of Burglary Tools – Suspect Arrested
August 25 at 6:26 p.m., police received a report of a stolen bicycle that was taken from a business in the 400 block of W. Huntington. Officers responded and located the suspect and bicycle in the 1600 block of S. Primrose. The suspect was taken into custody as he was attempting to hide the bicycle. He was also found to be in possession of burglary tools, which was added to his charges.

Residential Burglary
August 25 at 7:03 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. Lime Avenue. The homeowner suspected her daughter had broken into her home and stolen a television. The homeowner desires prosecution. Officers were able to speak with the daughter by telephone and she admitted to breaking into the location and taking the television. The suspect was not in Monrovia, but said she would come to the station and turn herself in. The investigation is continuing.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 26 at 3:20 a.m., police received a call reporting a subject dancing in the street in the area of Alta Vista and Chestnut. The subject was located by officers in the 400 block of W. Huntington. He was determined to be under the influence of drugs and was arrested. He was also found to be in possession of a methamphetamine pipe, which was added to his charges.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered / False Personation / Possession of Altered Access Cards – Suspect Arrested
August 26 at 6:21 a.m., officers located a stolen vehicle in the 100 block of W. Foothill. The vehicle was unoccupied. They watched the vehicle and, after a short period of time, a suspect entered the vehicle and attempted to leave. The vehicle was stopped and the suspect was arrested. He provided a fraudulent California driver's license and name to the officers. His true identity was discovered through fingerprint identification. He was also in possession of numerous altered access cards. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
August 26 at 9:29 a.m., a silver, 2012 Honda Civic was reported stolen from the 800 block of W. Walnut Avenue. The vehicle was parked and locked in the driveway in the evening the night before. When the victim returned to his vehicle the next morning, it was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft Auto
August 26 at 6:21 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 300 block of W. Huntington. The victim parked his vehicle, which contained gardening equipment, in front of a business and went inside the location. He returned a few minutes later and found his vehicle had been stolen. The vehicle is a red, 1987 Toyota pickup. The investigation is continuing.

Battery / Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
August 27 at 12:31 a.m., officers responded to a public parking lot in the 300 block of S. Myrtle regarding a fight. Officers arrived and found two intoxicated subjects. One subject sustained a laceration to his head and was taken to a hospital for treatment. He refused to press charges, claiming the subject was his best friend. The best friend was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself and was arrested for being drunk in public. He was held pending detoxification.

Burglary Alarm / Commercial Burglary
August 27 at 4:21 a.m., officers were dispatched to a burglary alarm in the 100 block of W. Pomona. When officers arrived on scene, the fire department was already there. It appears the suspects used a vehicle to ram the rollup doors to the business, breaking a fire sprinkler, which began spewing out water. The fire department responded to this sprinkler activation. The burglary alarm then activated. The business owner responded to the scene and determined the water had not caused much damage, but several electronic items were stolen by the suspects. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
August 27 at 3:52 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 200 block of W. Cypress. The victim’s son called to report that someone had broken into his father's truck. The crime occurred sometime overnight and miscellaneous tools were taken from a locked toolbox on the truck. The investigation is continuing.

Battery – Suspect Arrested
August 28 at 6:59 p.m., a battery incident was reported at a business in the 600 block of W. Huntington. A store employee at the business called to report a subject in the bathroom that was refusing to leave the business. When the subject was confronted by a store employee, he assaulted the employee and fled the location. Officers located the suspect and he was placed under citizen’s arrest for battery. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Humane Society Has New President; Leadership School; Zootopia

~ The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, an animal welfare organization which serves Monrovia, has selected a new president and CEO, Julie Bank. Julie has been working in animal welfare for nearly 30 years, performing a variety of leadership roles. She has worked at large animal control organizations in New York, California, Arizona and, most recently, Oklahoma, where she served as Superintendent of Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. Bank was selected by the Board of Directors after a nationwide, months-long search to identify a successor for retiring CEO, Steve McNall. Source: press release

~ Attend the Monrovia Area Partnership Adult Leadership Academy, Thursdays at 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 8-Oct. 20 at the Monrovia Community Center. For ages 18 . Topics are: MAP, Monrovia & You; Connecting in the Community; Local Government; Public Health & Safety; Tools and Resources; Public Speaking & Facilitation Training; Putting Theory into Practice. Details: http://goo.gl/Cce6vc

~ Free screening of Disney's Zootopia, Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. Call 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org for free tickets. Light refreshments, aging resources available.

- Brad Haugaard

Toasty Tuesday in Monrovia

The weather forecast is for 101 degrees tomorrow, Tuesday. Toasty! https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's May Proceed With Lawsuit Against 'Pirate Joe's'

A U.S. appeals court has ruled that a trademark lawsuit by Monrovia-based grocery chain Trader Joe's can proceed against a man who purchased the TJ's products and resold them in Canada at a store called "Pirate Joe's." http://goo.gl/m9nQtm

- Brad Haugaard

Two Monrovians On Women's World Cup Soccer Team | Walking Tour of Old Town

~ US Soccer reports that the United States 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Team will include Monrovians Ashley Sanchez and Kate Wiesner. The World Cup will be held in Jordan http://goo.gl/Gzebvl

~ The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct another walking tour of downtown Monrovia on Saturday, September 3, at 10 a.m. The tour lasts about two hours, and participants will be walking a total of 8 city blocks during that time. Cost is $5 per person, and reservations are not necessary. Meet at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues.

Dinner at Mimi's

Dinner the other night at Mimi's, at Huntington and Mayflower. Got the garlic brick chicken for $16.49 and a beer for $5.25.  I guess they put a brick on it to weigh it down while cooking. Very tasty. I liked it.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia School Board to Discuss Enrollment

The Monrovia School Board will hold a special meeting on Aug. 29 (this Monday) to discuss "enrollment patterns." My guess is that the pattern the board is concerned about shows a downward direction.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Organization Helps Louisiana; Donate Shoes

~ This weekend, the Monrovia Christian relief organization, World Vision, will provide relief supplies to families in south Louisiana who have been affected by this week's deadly flooding. Supplies, which include hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, food and clothing, will be provided by World Vision and distributed by partner churches in the area. http://goo.gl/AeZVsx

~ Donate "gently used" shoes to the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley to help fund its scholarships, Meals on Wheels, Make a Difference Day, and mroe. Drop-off point is 119 W. Palm Ave. in Monrovia, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 256-8187.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Man on Meth in Un-Vacant Hotel Room; Mail Box Theft; Arrested for 'Borrowing' Vehicle; Wife Punches Husband in Nose; Car Locked But Windows Down; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 22-24. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 417 service events, resulting in 82 investigations.

Vehicle Tampering / Receiving Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
August 22 at 8:25 a.m., a suspicious male subject was reported in the area of Lemon and Terrado pulling on door handles of vehicles. Officers responded to the area and located the juvenile suspect. He was found to be on probation and wearing a probation monitoring device. The juvenile was in possession of a wallet containing another person’s credit cards and cash. He denied tampering with the vehicles, but video surveillance was located that showed him pulling on vehicle door handles. He was arrested and taken into custody. Officers located the owner of the credit cards. He informed the officers that his vehicle had been broken into and he was missing his wallet, which was found to be the one the suspect was carrying.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
August 22 at 2:15 p.m., officers responded to a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington. Staff at the hotel entered a room that was supposed to be vacant and discovered a male subject inside, lying on the bed with pills around him. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. He told the officers that he had recently used methamphetamine and that he had more inside the room. He consented to a search of the room and the officers located a useable amount of methamphetamine. The subject was taken to a hospital as he required medical assistance.

Theft of Mail
August 22 at 4:25 p.m., a theft of mail was reported in the 200 block of Linwood Avenue. The victim reported that his mailbox had been pried open. Police responded to investigate and discovered a total of four mailboxes had been pried open and mail was missing from all the boxes. The investigation is continuing.

Receiving Stolen Property – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 2:32 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Royal Oaks and Shamrock when he stopped a vehicle for a lighting violation. The driver claimed he borrowed the vehicle from a friend. He was taken into custody for no means of identification. A search of the vehicle revealed a driver's license belonging to a female. The officer contacted the owner of the license, who said she was the victim of a vehicle burglary in Ontario. The driver was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property.

Vehicle Tampering – Suspect Arrested
August 23 at 3:57 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of E. Central arrived for work and saw a male suspect going through vehicles. The suspect had the doors and engine hoods open. Officers arrived and detained the suspect. The vehicles had been left unlocked and appeared ransacked. The suspect had a small amount of cash on him that was possibly taken from the vehicles. The officers arrested the suspect for vehicle tampering.

Residential Burglary
August 23 at 2:37 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of W. Hillcrest. The victims came home and discovered someone had forced entry into the back of their house and had stolen items from the home. The investigation is ongoing.

Theft from a Vehicle
August 23 at 10:25 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 700 block of W. Colorado. A rental vehicle was left unlocked and a backpack which contained an iPad and iPad accessories was taken from the front passenger floorboard. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 2:29 a.m., officers responded to a domestic violence incident in the 200 block of E. Colorado. A husband and wife were involved in an argument and the wife punched the husband in the nose. The husband had a bloody nose and paramedics were called to the scene. The male was treated for his injury. The female subject was determined to be the aggressor and was arrested and taken into custody.

Warrants / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 7:50 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 300 block of W. Foothill and observed a subject they knew had warrants for his arrest. The officer contacted the subject, confirmed the warrants, and asked the subject if he had any contraband on his person. The subject told the officer he had a used syringe and methamphetamine on his person. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrants and the drug charges.

Warrants / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 24 at 3:35 p.m., an officer on patrol observed a male adult subject walking in the 500 block of W. Colorado carrying an open container of hard alcohol. When the officer stopped to speak with the subject, he could smell alcohol emitting from the subject. During the contact, the officer discovered the subject had an outstanding warrant and the subject was arrested. During a pat-down search incident to the subject’s arrest, a methamphetamine pipe and syringe were located on his person.

Theft From a Vehicle
August 24 at 6:29 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 500 block of Bradbury. The victim parked the vehicle and locked the doors, but left the windows down. The suspect entered the vehicle and took a wallet containing credit cards. Approximately 30 minutes later, a male and female subject used one of the credit cards to purchase merchandise at a location in Duarte. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered
August 24 at 6:58 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of W. Greystone called police to report suspicious activity involving a vehicle. Officers arrived and ran a DMV check on the vehicle and found it had been reported stolen the previous day. The vehicle was recovered and returned to its owner.

The Film Industry in Early Monrovia

A fun history (actually, part one of a fun history) of the film industry in Monrovia. Ending with, "Was it murder?" I guess you gotta tune in next time for the conclusion. http://goo.gl/ldnMgI

- Brad Haugaard

County to Build New Library to Serve Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte Area

On a recommendation by Supervisor Michael Antonovich, the Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a new library site to improve public library services for county residents of the Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte area. The new library will be on a 22,000 square foot parcel at 22 West Live Oak Blvd., and will cost $2.17 million. A public hearing to receive comment and complete the proposed acquisition is set for September 27. Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

West Nile Virus Found In Monrovia; Legal Response to MALDEF; 4th Dimension; Etc.

In his weekly report ( http://goo.gl/GoKhjt ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ West Nile Virus has come to Monrovia. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reports ( http://goo.gl/DwpI8W ) that a dead bird that tested positive for West Nile Virus was found in Monrovia. City Manager Oliver Chi adds that "since West Nile Virus was first found in California in 2003, more than 5,588 people have been infected with the West Nile Virus disease, and 229 deaths have occurred."

~ The city is working with the City Attorney to prepare its response to the legal threat by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), demanding that the city switch to district-based elections, rather than elections at large.

~ A developer is considering buying the old 4th Dimension building on Myrtle Avenue in Old Town for a 5,000 square foot restaurant and 22,000 square feet for office space. Chi said the potential buyer "will be finalizing the decision regarding whether or not to purchase the 4th Dimension building within the next few weeks."

~ Monrovia has contracted with Precision Concrete Cutting (PCC) to make sidewalk repairs throughout the city. The company has gotten started and uses a "patented diamond-cutting technology to salvage existing sidewalk panels when possible." Chi said this lowers the cost of sidewalk. It appears the company shaves the edges of sidewalk blocks so blocks that are offset come together without a ledge.

~ Monrovia plans to replace worn banners honoring members of the military with new banners. If you or a member of your family living in Monrovia is serving in the armed forces, let the city know so that person can be recognized. Details: http://goo.gl/vUd2Tx

~ Friends of the Monrovia Public Library will hold its annual Fall Book Sale on September 9 & 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. 50 cents for mass market paperbacks, $2 for trade paperback and hardback books, 25 cents for children's books, $2 for CDs and movies, and a few larger books priced at $5. Then, on Sept. 9 from 4-5 p.m. shoppers can buy a grocery bag of books for $5.

- Brad Haugaard

Celebrate the Arts Show at Library Park Oct. 29-30

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will present its 53rd Annual Celebrate the Arts Show and ChalkFest on Saturday (10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday (10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Oct. 29/30 at Monrovia Library Park. Highlights at this admission-free event will include artist demonstrations and art sales, kids chalk activities from ChapCare, a beer garden by Pacific Plate Microbrewery, a Collectible Book Sale by the Friends of Monrovia Library, continuous live entertainment, and robotics and urban art displays by Monrovia High School students. Admission is free and a variety of food trucks will be on hand. For more information or to sign up for an artist booth space, contact christine@monroviafinearts.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Forgery; Suspicious Door Handle Checking; Drinking and Drugs; Shoplifting; Burglary

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 18-21. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Forgery – Suspect Arrested
August 18 at 11:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 900 block of E. Huntington. A subject had turned in a fraudulent prescription at the pharmacy to obtain anti-depressants and narcotics. The officers arrived and detained the suspect. The officers determined the prescription was fraudulent and the suspect was arrested without incident.

Vehicle Tampering / Conspiracy – Suspects Arrested
August 19 at 4:59 a.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Norumbega on the report of a suspicious subject looking into vehicles and checking door handles. When the suspect was spotted by the caller, he ran to a waiting vehicle being driven by a second suspect, and the suspects fled. A description of the suspect and vehicle was broadcast and officers located and stopped the suspect vehicle. The suspect was positively identified. The passenger was arrested for vehicle tampering and the driver for conspiracy. The investigation is continuing for any possible victims of a theft.

Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested
August 19 at 2:59 p.m., a suspicious female was reported in the 100 block of N. Sunset. She was seen leaving an unoccupied residence. Officers arrived and detained the female, who was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and possible stolen property. The female was arrested and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 19 at 8:25 p.m., officers responded to the area of Olive & Myrtle regarding a male and female fighting. The female was determined to be under the influence. She was involved in an argument with her boyfriend. During the argument, she had slapped and scratched him. She was arrested for domestic violence.

Disturbing the Peace / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
August 20 at 11:17 p.m., a disturbing subject was reported in the 500 block of E. Walnut. The subject was intoxicated and was yelling and causing a disturbance. The caller placed him under private person’s arrest. The officers arrested the subject for disturbing the peace and for being drunk in public.

Grand Theft Auto
August 21 at 7 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of W. Lemon. The victim reported her 1991 Honda Civic was stolen from in front of her residence. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Methamphetamine
August 21 at 9:57 a.m., officers responded to the report of a subject loitering in a tent at a park in the 400 block of N. Grand. When officers arrived, they located two subjects inside and near the tent. One of the subjects was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. The subject was cited for the violation.

Non-Injury Traffic Collision
August 21 at 11:35 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Foothill and Primrose. When officers arrived, they located one of the parties and determined he had been drinking and had possibly taken prescription medications. The subject was having difficulty staying conscious and displayed signs of being under the influence. He was taken to a hospital for his condition and his vehicle was stored.

Shoplifting
August 21 at 1:56 p.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain called police to report a shoplifting incident. Two adult females entered the store, selected merchandise, and then went to the return counter to return the merchandise without paying for it. The subjects were arrested and issued a citation to appear in court on the theft charges.

Residential Burglary
August 21 at 2:51 p.m., a residential burglary was reported in the 300 block of N. Canyon. The victim left her residence at 12:30 p.m. When she returned at 2:50 p.m., she found her home had been broken into and ransacked. A glass sliding door at the rear of the house had been shattered. Several items were stolen, which included a laptop, watches, cash, and jewelry. The investigation is continuing.

SET for LIFE Health Fair at Monrovia's Second Baptist Church

SET for LIFE will hold its 12th annual Healthy Families for LIFE Fair and Expo on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, at 925 S Shamrock Ave., in Monrovia. The event provides medical screenings, interactive educational workshops, physical fitness activities, mammograms, cancer prevention resources and support to reduce the incidence and mortality rate of cancer within African-American, Latino, and Asian families. The event will also feature free food, giveaways, and special activities for youth and teens. Sponsorships available. For more information contact Patricia Duff Tucker at patricia@setforlifenews.org

- Brad Haugaard

Library Park Concert

The Smokin' Cobras in concert at Library Park tonight.

 

- Brad Haugaard

Interview With Monrovia Olympian Kim Rhode

A video interview with Monrovian Kim Rhode, who has now won an Olympic medal in sixth consecutive Olympics. http://goo.gl/ibfQoh

- Brad Haugaard

Forest Service Completes Draft Plan for San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

The US Forest Service has completed a draft plan for managing the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, up in the mountains behind Monrovia, which proposes using shuttle buses to help people access the area.

The report ( http://goo.gl/yzsc1M ) gives me the impression that the Forest Service would like to reduce the number of cars in the mountains, since it proposes adding, "alternative means of transportation, including shuttle bus service connecting surrounding communities and public transportation hubs." Also, it adds that, "Positive changes to the system could involve the removal of unnecessary roads..." From page 132 of the plan.

Comment: I dunno. This proposal could be completely reasonable and simply a matter of good traffic control, but I have had a growing sense over the past eight or ten years that the Forest Service wants to severely reduce the number of places within wilderness areas where people are allowed to go and just put them on a few footpaths that go in a short loop from a few parking lots. I hope I'm wrong.

Additional information here: http://goo.gl/KmvRcH

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Zen Buffet

Dinner last night at Zen Buffet, at Fifth and Huntington. A wide selection of food, Asian and western for $15.95 Plus $3 for a beer. You can go back again and again and the food is pretty good, so come hungry. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Police: Car Goes Through Train Crossing Gates; Defrauding an Innkeeper; Car vs. Bike; BB Gun; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 15-17. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 392 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.

Disturbing Subjects / Driving Under the Influence / Drunk in Public – Suspects Arrested
August 15 at 9:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 200 block of E. Foothill regarding two subjects in a dispute with employees. The disturbing subjects left in a silver vehicle, heading north on May, prior to police arrival. An officer searched the area and located the vehicle at May and Greystone. Both driver and passenger were determined to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence and the passenger for being drunk in public.

Grand Theft
August 16 at 1:48 p.m., a grand theft was reported at a business in the 100 block of W. Foothill. The male suspect entered the business, placed over 40 containers of baby formula in a cart and left the store without paying. The suspect was not located and the investigation is continuing.

Defrauding an Innkeeper – Suspect Arrested
August 16 at 6:52 p.m., officers responded to a restaurant regarding an intoxicated subject refusing to pay. The suspect entered the restaurant and ordered food and alcohol from the bar area. Employees confronted the suspect when he attempted to leave without paying the bill. The suspect had no means or intentions of paying for the services. The suspect was arrested for defrauding an innkeeper and being drunk in public.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 16 at 8:46 p.m., a traffic collision was reported at Myrtle and Foothill. A vehicle hit a bicyclist in the intersection. An officer responded to investigate the collision. The bicyclist was riding on the sidewalk and entered traffic in front of the vehicle. The bicyclist sustained small scratches on his leg.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
August 17 at 3:50 a.m., possible drug activity or sales taking place in a business parking lot in the 200 block of W. Huntington was reported to police. Officers responded to the location and contacted a female and male subject in the lot. A consent search of the subjects revealed both had methamphetamine pipes on their person. Both were arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Injury Traffic Collision
August 17 at 9:20 a.m., officers responded to the report of a vehicle collision at Myrtle and Duarte. The vehicle that was involved in the collision was now stopped near the Metro Rail tracks. Officers arrived and the vehicle was moved away from the tracks. The elderly female driver said she became dizzy and light headed as she went through the intersection. She veered into the number one lane and struck the crossing arm for northbound traffic, then proceeded to cross the railroad center median and struck the crossing arm for southbound traffic. Her vehicle came to a rest in southbound lanes of traffic, near the railroad tracks. There were no other vehicles involved. Metro personnel were notified.

Man with a Gun / 72 Hour Mental Evaluation
August 17 at 7:26 p.m., police received two calls reporting a man with a gun in his waistband, walking through a bank parking lot in the 200 block of S. Myrtle. The suspect was seen walking through the parking lot towards the rear of a preschool. Police responded to the area. An officer located the suspect sitting in a chair outside a restaurant on Foothill. He could see the suspect still had the gun in his waistband. The officer detained the suspect at gunpoint until assisting officers arrived. The suspect was detained and the investigation revealed the weapon was a BB gun. The suspect was not making sense and appeared to be mentally ill. He was taken to a hospital, where he was held for a 72-hour mental evaluation.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
August 18 at 12:50 a.m., officers on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation at Myrtle and Colorado. The vehicle was occupied by two female and two male subjects. One of the male subjects claimed he was seventeen and was taken into custody for curfew violation. The other male adult was found to be on probation for drug and weapon violations. A search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine, pills and drug paraphernalia. All three adults were arrested for the drug charges. Further investigation revealed the subject that claimed he was a juvenile was an adult who was wanted for smuggling narcotics into the jail system.

The New Bronze Statuary on Myrtle

Gem City Images has some nice pictures of the new bronze movie statues installed today on Myrtle. http://goo.gl/q2Lo1h

- Brad Haugaard

Special Permission to Demolish Old Buildings? Sculpture Installation Today, Retired FD Captain Dies; Gas Bill; Sewer Work; Tree Lights; Tutors

In his latest weekly report ( http://goo.gl/w5Oo9g ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ The Planning Commission has recommended regulations that would require getting city permission to tear down a building more than 49 years old, to ensure it has no historical value. Here is the full staff report: http://goo.gl/e0GT26

~ The bronze sculpture by Daniel Stern will be installed on Myrtle Avenue today, August 17, on the east side of Myrtle near the Krikorian Theatre. It features an old fashioned movie director, a free standing movie camera, and a tall director's chair you can sit in.

~ Retired Fire Captain John Rooks died unexpectedly last week while at home. He retired in November 2015 after serving the Monrovia community with distinction for 29 years.

~ If you get a high bill for natural gas, it may be because SoCalGas had a problem with some of its advanced gas meters and under-billed customers. It guesstimates about 11,000 customers (probably not many in Monrovia) have been affected.

~ Sewer work on Monterey Avenue just south of Huntington Drive (across from the Toys 'R' Us and Panda Express parking lot) will begin on Monday, August 22. Should last 5-7 business days. Working hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

~ The city has changed the lights on the trees in Old Town to be "more consistent in their height and installation layout," which "should create a more uniform and elegant display throughout Old Town." Now the lights go up and down the trees rather than round and round.

~ Real-live, free tutors for homework help at the Monrovia Library website, daily from 1 to 10 p.m., all ages welcome. Help with math, English, science, social studies, and test prep. Plus a writing lab, where students can submit essays for feedback from teachers around the country. Also, lesson plans, and a flashcard builder. You need a library card. Start here ( https://goo.gl/xnpB5f ), enter your library card number and PIN (your full 10-digit phone number) and click on Brainfuse HelpNow link. Questions? Ask librarian or call 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

Remembering 9/11 - Patriotic Concert at First Presbyterian

Patriot Day Concert at First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia (corner of Myrtle and Foothill). Remembering 9/11 on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. with somber and celebratory music celebrating America by the San Gabriel Valley Musical Artists. Music: Jubilee Overture, American Salute, 9/11 We Stand for Freedom, Lincoln Speaks of Liberty, New World Symphony, Stars and Stripes Forever. Suggested donation $7 per person. Instrumentalists wanted. Details: http://goo.gl/A1rPhU or call 358-5939.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Movie Making Companies

A bit of interesting history about Monrovia-based movie companies. Did you know that the Monrovia Feature Film Company filmed "The Argonauts of California - 1849" in Gold Hills in 1916? http://goo.gl/YD3xEq

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: DUI With Children; Sleeping at the Wheel

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 11-14. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Driving Under the Influence / Child Endangerment – Suspect Arrested
August 11 at 10:44 a.m., staff at a middle school in the 300 block of E. Foothill called police to report an intoxicated parent that was leaving the school in a vehicle. Officers responded and located the vehicle at Ivy and Foothill. A traffic stop was conducted and, through investigation, the officers determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle safely. The vehicle was occupied by the driver and her 12-year-old son. The female driver was arrested for driving under the influence and child endangerment. The child was released to family members and the Department of Children and Family Services was notified.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 14 at 11:05 p.m., an officer was dispatched on the report of a vehicle stopped in the roadway with a male subject slumped over and asleep behind the wheel. The investigation determined the driver was too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle; he was arrested for driving under the influence and taken into custody. He was held for a sobering period.

Crime Up 29% in Monrovia Because of Changes in Law, Chief Reports

Monrovia Police Chief Jim Hunt reports that crime in Monrovia is up 29 percent, according to Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams.

Adams said Assembly Bill 109 and Proposition 47 "have all put more criminals on the streets. The state didn't plan well enough to have a jobs program waiting for them." Also, he said, "The Governor just vetoed a bill approved by all members of the state legislature except one. That bill would have made gun theft a felony, now, if the gun is worth less than $950 you get a citation."

- Brad Haugaard

New Condo Project Opening On Duarte Road

Lotus Court, a new condominium project at 430-438 Duarte Rd. will hold its grand opening on Aug. 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The building has 13 units, a private community grounds, and echoes Spanish architecture throughout. Units are 1,558-1,722 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 3-3.5 bathrooms and start at about $560,000.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Wins Olympic Medal for Six Olympics in a Row

Monrovian Kim Rhode has won the bronze medal in skeet shooting at the Rio Olympics. It's her sixth Olympic medal in six consecutive Olympic games, a record for a female athlete. http://goo.gl/xNnyXj

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Council Meets With Legal Counsel Over Legal Threat

the Monrovia City Council will hold a special closed meeting on Aug. 16 to confer with its attorney about a legal threat from MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund) if the city does not switch over from city-wide elections to district elections. http://goo.gl/L0EZMy

Comment: As one of the people who commented on this story wrote on MonroviaNow, it would be interesting to know if there has been "any pattern of Latino candidates running, but not obtaining office." Indeed. It seems to me that if Latino candidates run and don't win that is one question, but if they don't run and don't win, that is another question entirely.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Red Lobster

Dinner last night at Red Lobster on Huntington. Got a small order of Atlantic Salmon for $16.99 (market price, I think) and an iced tea for $2.85. It came with a nice salad, which I ate before taking this picture. I was trying to be good so I got broccoli and zucchini as sides when I really wanted potatoes, But surprise! They were great, as was the fish. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Temperature to Reach 103 in Monrovia

Yikes. The temperature in Monrovia is predicted to reach 102 on Sunday and 103 on Monday and Tuesday. Have a batch of iced tea prepared! https://goo.gl/0qMTb8

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Will Hold Special Meeting to Consider MALDEF Demand for District Elections

The City of Monrovia has been issued a demand letter from MALDEF requesting that our current at-large based system for electing City Council members be converted into a district-based electoral system.  In the letter, MALDEF cites as the basis for their demand both the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 and the purported lack of Latino representation on the City Council.  Furthermore, MALDEF’s correspondence states their intention to seek judicial relief if they do not receive a satisfactory response from the City by August 24, 2016.

City Manager Oliver Chi responded by saying, “We certainly do take the demand letter issued by MALDEF seriously, especially given that Monrovia has had such a rich history of electing individuals that represent a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives to serve on the City Council.”

“Given the issues that MALDEF has raised and the manner in which those matters have been articulated, we are working to schedule a special meeting next week for the City Council to discuss this particular issue,” continued Mr. Chi.  “We would note, however, that prior to receiving their letter on August 10, 2016, the City had not been contacted by any representatives from MALDEF, nor have we received any complaints about the City’s current at-large system for electing City Council members.”

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Assault With Pepper Spray; Dating Gone Bad; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 8-10. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 393 service events, resulting in 65 investigations.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 1:36 a.m., officers responded to the area of Huntington and Cypress regarding a rollover traffic collision. When officers arrived, they found an intoxicated 18-year-old, male subject standing outside of his crashed vehicle on the center divider. The driver told the officers he had been drinking beer. He was driving west on Huntington when he hit the center divider and rolled his vehicle approximately four times. The driver claimed no injuries, but Monrovia Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and checked out the subject. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

Trespassing – Suspect Arrested
August 9 at 7:52 a.m., citizen patrol officers were conducting extra patrol of an uninhabited residence in the 1100 block of Sesmas. They discovered an open door to the rear of the location and requested an officer to assist. An officer arrived and conducted a search of the residence, locating a male adult inside. The suspect was arrested for trespassing on the property.

Graffiti Vandalism
August 9 at 8:12 a.m., the owner of a business in the 1800 block of California called police to report graffiti vandalism from taggers on the side of his business. The investigation is continuing.

Assault
August 9 at 6:16 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of East Cypress on the report of an assault that occurred in the parking lot. The victim was involved in a vehicle dispute in the parking lot with the suspect. The suspect then cut off the victim with his vehicle, ran up to the victim's window and pepper sprayed the victim through the open window. The victim drove to his residence and called the police. The suspect was not located and the investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 10 at 1:28 a.m., an incident of domestic violence that occurred in the 900 block of E. Huntington was reported to police. Sherriff’s deputies contacted a male and female subject in a business parking lot in Duarte. The female told the deputies that she was assaulted by the male in Monrovia. Monrovia officers were requested to investigate. Through investigation, it was learned that the subjects work together and are in a dating relationship. They were involved in an argument outside of work that escalated and the male assaulted the female. The female victim ran across Huntington to a business in Duarte and was followed by the male suspect. The female called police on her cell phone and both subjects were at the location when the deputies arrived. The male suspect was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody. Paramedics arrived and treated the female for her injury.

Graffiti Vandalism
August 10 at 11:30 a.m., an incident of graffiti vandalism was reported at a park in the 700 block of E. Lemon. Graffiti was spray painted all over the tennis courts at the park. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
August 10 at 9:44 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a possible burglary at a residence in the 100 block of Poinsettia. The caller reported that the door to the home was open. Officers arrived and searched the residence, which had been ransacked. A bottle of prescription medication had been taken. The investigation is continuing.

MALDEF Threatens Monrovia With Legal Action if City Doesn't Switch to District Elections

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) has written a letter to the Monrovia City Council threatening legal action if the city does not divide the city into districts for electing council members rather than having each candidate be elected by the entire city electorate, as is currently done.

MALDEF writes: "The City currently elects council members using an at-large method, which has denied Latino residents the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice to the City Council. MALDEF demands that the City convert to a by-district election system."

The organization says it is giving the city until August 24, 2016, and "if the response is unsatisfactory, MALDEF and its clients will seek a judicial order changing the election system from at-large to by-district, along with other relief provided for in the CVRA, including the collection of costs and attorneys' fees."

Source: http://goo.gl/DsvHDx

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Bills on Tobacco Meds, Drones, and College for Undocumented Students Go to Senate Floor

Three bills by Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, cleared the California State Senate Appropriations Committee today.

- AB 1696 requires tobacco cessation medications, counseling, and assessments be covered for Medi-Cal patients.

- AB 2148 gives the National Resources Agency the ability to develop regulations regarding drone use on publicly-managed lands.

- AB 2364 gives undocumented high school students equal access to higher education.

All three bills now head to the Senate Floor.

- Brad Haugaard

Navy Deploys Drone Made By Monrovia-Based AeroVironment in Persian Gulf

Monrovia's AeroVironment has announced ( https://goo.gl/oRIrcM ) that the United States Navy is deploying AeroVironment's hand-launched RQ-20B AeroVironment Puma AE in the Persian Gulf. It gives a good overview for those ships that don't have a helicopter. Here's the Navy's report: http://goo.gl/bh52R9

- Brad Haugaard

Evening with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin

An Evening with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin at the Sow House, 404 S. Myrtle, on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. Frank and Dean's greatest hits - Fly Me to the Moon, The Best is Yet to Come, New York New York, You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You, Ain't That a Kick in the Head and many more - performed by Douglas Roegiers. Tickets are $28 and each ticket includes a $10 credit towards food and drink. Details: http://goo.gl/EgvsJb

- Brad Haugaard

What's Up With Old Monrovia Albertson's Site; Train Depot Rehab; Flags on Myrtle? Etc.

In his weekly update ( http://goo.gl/ac4nI0 ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ Warner Pacific, which owns the former Albertson's site, has told the city it is interested in subdividing the building space for three users, but has held off submitting any plans to the city until it can round up a couple of businesses to occupy those spaces.

~ Rehab should begin on the historic Santa Fe Depot in September, and should be finished first quarter of next year. Daylight Limited has submitted its building plans for city review. Both city and developer looking for a restaurant to go in the depot.

~ Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board (MOTAB) member Soren Loft is suggesting that the city consider mid-block crosswalks - with flags - on Myrtle in Old Town. If I understand, there would be a stand at either side of the street with flags. You pick up a flag and cross the street (I guess the flag increases your visibility), then drop the flag off at the flag-holder on the other side.

~ The new Orchard Supply Hardware (Huntington and Monterey) is going to make a donation to Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) at its grand opening ribbon cutting event tomorrow, August 10, at 4:30 p.m.

~ Canyon Park hosted its first night-hike on July 28. There's another one on August 11. If you would like to participate, contact Public Services at 256-8281.

- Brad Haugaard

Jake's Roadhouse Expanding

Old Town businesswoman Pam Fitzpatrick reports that Jake's Roadhouse will expand into the old Army/Navy space.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Bumper Dragger Arrested; Prowlers; Tailgate Stolen; Ex-Girlfriend Arrested; Biting to Escape; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 4-7. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Drug Paraphernalia – Suspects Arrested
August 4 at 10:22 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 200 block of W. Huntington Drive and noticed a make shift enclosure that had multiple subjects inside, blocking the rear access to a business. Officers made contact with the subjects and, through investigation, arrested one suspect for having an outstanding warrant and being in possession of drug paraphernalia. A second suspect was arrested for being in possession of drug paraphernalia and was issued a citation.

Grand Theft
August 4 at 12:00 p.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 700 block of W. Huntington Drive. The victim parked and locked his vehicle in a hotel parking lot the day before. When he returned to his vehicle the following day, he found his third row seats had been stolen. There were no signs of forced entry into the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 4 at 3:22 p.m., police received a call reporting a subject behind the wheel of a vehicle, who appeared to be asleep. Officers arrived and determined the suspect had been driving while intoxicated. The suspect was arrested for driving under the influence and two outstanding arrest warrants.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 2:18 a.m., officers were on patrol in the 300 block of S. Myrtle when they observed an adult male subject loitering in the park after it was closed. They contacted the subject and a computer check revealed the subject had a domestic violence warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody for the warrant.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 5 at 3:37 a.m., a resident in the 100 block of West Olive reported that the driver of a red Toyota had just crashed into a parked vehicle and fled south on Primrose with its bumper dragging on the ground. The driver of the Toyota failed to stop and exchange information or leave a note on the vehicle. Officers searched the area and located the suspect vehicle in the 100 block of W. Maple, being driven with no lights. The driver headed north on Magnolia, still dragging the bumper. When the officer turned on his red and blue lights, the driver put the car in park while it was still in motion, causing the gears to grind to a halt. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle and field sobriety tests were conducted. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence and the hit and run traffic collision. She was taken into custody.

Prowling
August 4 at 8:00 p.m., residents in the 300 block of Oakcliff and the 700 block of Norumbega called police to report three male adults prowling around two houses. The two houses back up to one another. One of the callers had just arrived home and saw a grey, four-door sedan with paper plates parked on the street. The vehicle was running and a male adult subject was in the driver's seat. The resident pulled into her driveway with her headlights on and saw a male Hispanic in his late 20's, wearing a red, longsleeve shirt, run from her backyard and into the waiting vehicle. The suspects then fled east on Norumbega in the vehicle. The caller from Oakcliff reported that he saw the same male suspect in the red shirt in his neighbor's backyard on Oakcliff, prowling around. Officers searched the area with the assistance of the Foothill Air Support Team police helicopter, however, were unable to locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
August 5 at 6:29 a.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 400 block of W. Colorado. The victim parked his vehicle on the street the day before and when he returned in the morning, he found his tailgate had been stolen from his Toyota truck. The investigation is continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
August 5 at 9:19 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of E. Colorado. The victim parked his work truck on the street on the day before and when he returned to his truck the next morning, he found his rear window had been shattered and a new faucet, which he had left in the truck, had been stolen from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft
August 5 at 10:30 a.m., a grand theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1300 block of S. Mayflower Avenue. The victim parked his truck in a parking lot the day before and when he returned in the morning, he found his tailgate had been stolen from his Ford truck. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
August 5 at 2:46 p.m., an officer responded to a domestic violence incident in the 200 block of W. Hillcrest Avenue. A female subject was involved in an argument with her ex-boyfriend. The argument became physical and the female caused an injury to the male subject. The female was arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody. She was held pending her court appearance.

Public Intoxication
August 5 at 3:29 p.m., police received a call reporting a suspicious subject loitering in the 300 block of W. Huntington Drive. Officers responded and contacted the male subject. He was determined to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was taken into custody and held for a sobering period. He was later released with a citation.

Robbery
August 6 at 10:48 a.m., a robbery was reported at a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain Avenue. Two suspects entered the business. One of the suspects selected merchandise, placed it in a basket and walked toward the garden area. The suspect passed several manned check stands and fled without paying for the merchandise. Once outside, loss prevention agents confronted him and a fight ensued. During the struggle, the suspect bit one of the agent's arms, attempting to get away. The suspect was subdued and detained by loss prevention prior to officers arriving. The officer arrested the suspect and he was taken into custody. He was held pending his court appearance.

Grand Theft
August 6 at 11:00 a.m., a grand theft was reported at a residence in the 200 block of N. Primrose. Unknown suspects stole three bicycles from a backyard shed. The shed does not have doors and the bicycles were visible from an alley behind the property. The bicycles were stolen sometime after August 1. The suspect(s) entered the backyard through an unlocked gate. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
August 6 at 11:30 p.m., a caller reported a subject was sleeping inside their business and refused to leave. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. During a consent search of the subject, a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine was located in his front pant pocket. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation to appear in court.

Drug Activity / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested
August 7 at 1:40 p.m., an officer was flagged down by Monrovia Fire Department personnel at a hotel in the 700 block of W. Huntington. They had responded to the report of a fire alarm activation in a room at the hotel. Fire personnel were told by employees at the hotel that they suspected suspicious activity in the room. The officer detained a suspicious male subject in the lobby that had come from the room. Officers went to the room and located a female subject, who gave them consent to search the room. Methamphetamine was located inside the room and drug paraphernalia was found on the male suspect. The female suspect was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and the male suspect for possession of drug paraphernalia.

More Details on Monrovia Zip Code Day - 9/10/16

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce will host Monrovia Zip Code Day - 9*10*16 - a celebration unique to Monrovia, on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 (9*10*16). Mayor Tom Adams will kick off Zip Code Day at 11 a.m. in Library Park, local businesses will be there with fun activities for kids (and for kids at heart), games, kid's art activities, hand-outs and hot dogs by Athens Services.

To celebrate Zip Code Day, the Library is having a Postcard Contest. All ages are welcome to create a Monrovia Postcard. The Library will provide the blank postcard and finished postcards will be due by Saturday, September 3. Judges will choose a first, second, and third place winner. On Zip Code Day library staff will have all postcards postmarked with this special date and sent back to each participant's residence, and will announce the winners of their Postcard Contest during the day's events.

Shane Nichols will take a Community Photo (via drone) at 1:30 p.m. in front of the fountain in Library Park. Commemorative Zip Code Day items are available to purchase at http://fspdesigns.com/zipcodeday - tee shirts all sizes, mugs, water bottles, hats and more. A unique Monrovia Postcard will be available to the first 300 folks that visit the Monrovia Chamber booth.

Also, take a postcard (or your own letter) over to the Post Master to have it stamped with a commemorative Monrovia Zip Code Day postmark.

- Brad Haugaard

Listening In On Monrovia Students; New Class in Mandarin

At its August 10, 7 p.m. meeting ( agenda and everything else, here ), the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Contracting with GeoListening to listen in on social media for posts that "suggest a threat to person or property" and provide daily reports to the district. The company looks for posts about, "bullying, despair, hate, crime, vandalism, substance abuse and truancy." It will cost $10,000 for Clifton and Santa Fe Middle Schools and another $5,000 for Monrovia High and Canyon Oaks High through the end of June of 2017. Comment: The staff report says the company "monitors social media network postings within the perimeter of a school." I am very dubious that it limits its research to those postings made within the perimeter of the school, and the company website does not suggest it does that. I suspect is simply looks at public postings by students who attend the school and postings that contain keywords related to the schools - "Monrovia High," or "Clifton" or whatever.

~ Offering "Mandarin III," a new course for Monrovia High students.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Hon Sushi

Dinner last night at Hon Sushi, in the Pavilions shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill.  Got the Spicy Baked Salmon Roll for $10.99 and a beer for $6.95. Very good. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Pink Patch Police

Monrovia police are joining officers from other local police agencies in wearing a pink patch during October to raise funds for cancer research, treatment, and care. The idea is from the Irwindale Police Department, which started the pinkpatchproject in 2015 and raised over $20,000 for the City of Hope. Details: http://goo.gl/sHd3xr

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Alarm Scares Burglars; Dating and Fighting; Father's Retribution; Women in Relationship Fight; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 1-3. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 428 service events, resulting in 67 investigations.

Residential Burglary
August 1 at 4:00 p.m., officers responded to the report of a residential burglary in progress in the 300 block of Norumbega. Two adult male subjects wearing long hooded sweatshirts were seen fleeing the front yard of a residence on foot. The caller reported that the front door of the residence was open. Police dispatch then received a burglary alarm activation at the same residence. Officers responded, searched the area and the residence. The suspects were not located. It appears the suspects kicked a rear door open and once inside, the alarm activated, causing the suspects to flee. No loss was reported. The investigation is continuing.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 1 at 7:29 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 800 block of W. Foothill. The victim called to report his vehicle was struck and the side mirror was damaged. The suspect driver left the scene of the collision and left no identifying information. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 2:50 a.m., officers on patrol observed a vehicle traveling north in the 2000 block of S. Myrtle at a high rate of speed. The officers attempted to catch up to the vehicle as the driver entered the 210 Freeway, heading west. The vehicle was eventually stopped at Rosemead in Pasadena. The driver was determined to be intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was arrested for DUI. He was taken into custody, booked for the applicable charges and held for sobering.

Domestic Violence – Suspects Arrested
August 2 at 1:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of E. Walnut regarding a disturbing subject. When they arrived, they determined the male and female adults who lived there were in a dating relationship and had been involved in two separate fights. The female started the first fight and the male subject started the second fight. Both parties were arrested for domestic violence and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
August 2 at 6:02 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of E. Royal Oaks regarding a domestic violence incident. When the officers arrived, the male suspect had already left the residence. A few minutes later, police received a call reporting a fight in progress at Fifth and Huntington. When they arrived, they discovered the fight was between the father of the female from the domestic battery and the male suspect. The father was cited in the field for battery and the male suspect was arrested for domestic violence.

Hit and Run Traffic Collision
August 2 at 8:08 p.m., a hit and run traffic collision was reported in the 100 block of E. Lemon. The victim parked his vehicle on the street and attended a meeting at City Hall. When he returned to his vehicle, he noticed it had new damage. The suspect left the scene of the collision. The investigation is continuing.

Residential Burglary
August 3 at 12:40 p.m., officers responded to a burglary alarm at a residence in the 800 block of Oakdale. When they arrived, they saw the rear door of the residence was open. Additional officers responded and the interior was searched. The house had been burglarized and a few small jewelry items were taken. The investigation is continuing.

Domestic Violence
August 4 at 12:23 a.m., an officer witnessed a fight between two females in a business parking lot in the 400 block of W. Foothill. It was determined that the females were in a domestic relationship. One of the females was determined to be the aggressor in the incident and was arrested for domestic battery.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
August 4 at 1:25 a.m., an officer observed a suspicious female next to a business who was attempting to conceal something under a bike seat. He asked her what she was doing and discovered she was attempting to conceal a used glass methamphetamine pipe. The subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and taken into custody.

Monrovia OSH Store Holding Grand Opening Saturday, Aug. 13

Monrovia's new Orchard Supply Hardware (725 West Huntington, at the corner of Monterey) will hold a grand opening celebration beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 13. The store will offer $25 gift cards to the first 100 adults in line, followed by Enter-to-Win giveaways, a live DJ, weekend-long promotions and tons of savings on thousands of products. Source: OSH press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Congresswoman Judy Chu - An Amazing Stock Picker

The economics blog, ZeroHedge.com, notes ( http://goo.gl/JeJKlP ) that Judy Chu, one of the two congresswomen who represent Monrovia, is a prolific and amazingly successful market trader, buying numerous "calls" and "puts" in amounts in the range of $1,000-$15,000 per trade and growing her net worth (apparently by the trades, the article speculates) from less than $100,000 in 2008 to more than $3 million by 2014.

Comment: Calls and puts, if I understand correctly, are not stock or bond ownership, but essentially bets that the value of an investment will either go up (calls) or down (puts). Investing books I've read say such financial mechanisms are extremely risky, so I wouldn't try to emulate the congresswoman's success.

- Brad Haugaard

Dog Cafe at Monrovia Street Fair, Mountain/Duarte Intersection, eLibrary, Etc.

In his weekly update, City Manager Oliver Chi reports ...

~ Raw Inspiration, which will be running the Friday night street fair starting August 19, will add a pet cafe area where you can drop off your dog or hang out with other dog owners. Also adding meat, fish, and flower vendors, and special kids activities the first Friday of each month.

~ After discussions with Metro, northbound traffic on Mountain Avenue will be able to turn right at Duarte Road on most red lights, except when a pedestrian is crossing Duarte.

~ You can now access movies, e-magazines and e-books on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You just need a library card. Start here: https://monrovia.biblionix.com/catalog/

~ Monrovia has sent Fire Engine 101 and four personnel to assist with the fire fight in Big Sur.

~ The library will establish a Veterans Resource Center with a state grant of $9,725. The money will be used for materials, equipment and display items, and for event programming and training for volunteers and staff.

~ New stop signs will be installed on August 8 at the Mayflower Avenue and Evergreen/Diamond intersection, just south of the 210.

~ Monrovia-based Los Angeles News Group (owner of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Pasadena Star-News) has changed its name from Los Angeles News Group (LANG) to Southern California News Group (SCNG) after recently acquiring the Orange County Register and the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Meet the Monrovia Police Tuesday Night, Library Park

Meet the police at National Night Out, from 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow, August 2, in Library Park. Free food and music. Learn why the men and women behind the badge chose this profession and what they are doing to keep Monrovia safe. Details: http://goo.gl/HCCsRE

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Now: Stolen Packages; Police Chase Motorcyclist, Rear-End It; Wife Arrested for Scratching; Taxi Escape; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 28-31. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Grand Theft Auto
July 28 at 10:44 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of W. Foothill. The victim parked and locked the vehicle in front of her apartment complex. When she returned to the vehicle in the morning, it was missing. The investigation is continuing.

Theft of a Package
July 28 at 1:26 p.m., a resident from the 100 block of N. Primrose Avenue called police to report the theft of a package from her property. The resident had purchased radios and had them delivered to her home. She received notification that the package was delivered, but when she arrived home, the package was missing. The empty packaging the delivery came in was found a short distance away. The investigation is continuing.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 28 at 6:41 p.m., officers responded to the report of a suspicious female subject loitering behind homes in the 200 block of W. Cypress. Officers arrived and located the female subject. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Vehicle Pursuit / Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Stolen Checks / Warrants – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 12:04 a.m., officers were on patrol, heading south on California, when a motorcycle passed them, traveling north on California at a high rate of speed. The officers made a u-turn and drove after the motorcyclist to stop him. A short pursuit ensued onto the 210 Freeway. The motorcyclist exited the freeway at Irwindale Avenue and drove into a gas station at Irwindale Avenue and Foothill. The suspect then exited onto Foothill to make a left turn, but did not see a raised island in the middle of the street. The motorcyclist slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting the island, causing the police car, which was behind him, to collide into his rear tire. The motorcycle toppled over and the suspect ran north, across Foothill. The officers gave chase and apprehended him as he attempted to jump over a wall into a rock quarry. The suspect was found to have a suspended license, warrants for his arrest, stolen checks, and he was driving under the influence of drugs. He was taken to a hospital for a minor cut and complaint of pain to his shoulder, then booked for several felony and misdemeanor charges, as well as the outstanding warrants.

Warrant – Suspect Arrested
July 29 at 2:30 p.m., a parking control officer was issuing a citation to a parked vehicle and found a person with an outstanding warrant came back after checking the vehicle registration. Officers arrived, located the subject associated with the vehicle, confirmed the warrant and took him into custody. The subject was later issued a citation to appear in court.

Mailbox Tampering
July 30 at 7:00 a.m., an incident of mailbox tampering was reported at an apartment complex in the 300 block of Genoa Avenue. Sometime between midnight and 7:00 a.m., someone pried open the door to the apartment mailbox. No loss could be substantiated at the time of the report. The investigation is continuing.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested
July 30 at 7:58 a.m., an officer observed a bicyclist commit a vehicle code violation. The officer stopped the subject on the bike and, during the investigation, a syringe was found on his person. The subject was arrested and later issued a citation to appear in court.

Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
July 30 at 8:31 p.m., an incident of domestic violence was reported in the 1100 block of Sesmas Street. A male subject called police to report his wife was intoxicated and was damaging his property. Officers arrived and learned the wife had slapped and scratched her husband, causing injuries. The wife was arrested for domestic violence and the case will be submitted to the District Attorney's office for filing.

Fight in Progress – Suspects Arrested
August 1 at 3:02 a.m., police responded to the report of a fight in progress involving five to six subjects in the 100 block of W. Duarte Road. The subjects had fled the area, several of them in a taxi. An officer located the taxi turning south on Shamrock from Duarte. Several subjects were in the taxi that had been involved in the fight. One subject, who was the victim of battery during the fight, was taken to the hospital for treatment; one was taken into custody for possession of narcotics; and a third subject was arrested for an outstanding warrant. The suspects who committed the battery were not found. The investigation is continuing.

Scout Project to Help Bradoaks School; Disney Movie; Vacation Bible School

~ Blake Minett, Eagle Scout candidate, has a project to update Bradoaks Elementary School's emergency safety buckets with all new supplies. If you'd like to contribute to his Eagle Scout project, you can do so here: https://goo.gl/uXtgdL

~ Walt Disney's animated musical, The Jungle Book (1967), on Saturday, August 27 at 10 a.m. at the Monrovia Public Library. For free tickets call 205-4308 or email movie@monroviaproviders.org. Light refreshments, aging resources available.

~ Jesus as Light of the World is the theme of a free Vacation Bible School at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia. Classes Monday through Friday, August 8-12, from 7 to 8:25 p.m., taught by the church's Assistant Pastor, the Rev. Nathan Biornstad. For children ages 4-10.

- Brad Haugaard